Smart Helmet: Enhancing Safety and Efficiency for Takeaway Riders

A Functional Integrated Helmet Designed by Jiayi Jiang, Bingjian Liu, and Xu Sun

This innovative design, named Xia, is a smart helmet created by Jiayi Jiang, Bingjian Liu, and Xu Sun. Inspired by the safety issues faced by takeaway riders in China, this helmet aims to prevent distractions while riding motorcycles and enhance the overall safety index. By integrating a phone and a handle controller, Xia offers a unique solution to the challenges faced by delivery riders.

The helmet features a connected system that allows riders to check orders, follow HUD navigation, make phone calls, take photos, and ask for help in case of accidents. The handle controller ensures that riders can keep both hands on the handle at all times, eliminating the need to use a phone while riding. This not only enhances safety but also improves the efficiency of delivery riders.

The design incorporates Bluetooth, head-up display (HUD), and augmented reality (AR) technologies to provide a specialized control system for takeaway riders. These technologies are tailored to the specific needs of this group, helping them navigate their work more efficiently and ensuring their safety on the road.

The dimensions of the helmet are 300mm x 230mm x 300mm, following the standard dimensions from the national helmet size guide. The handle controller panel measures 58.3mm x 80mm x 8mm and is made from flexible plastic to accommodate different e-bike handles.

Through observation, interviews, and extensive research, the design team identified the pain points of takeaway riders, particularly the distractions caused by using cellphones while riding. The insights gained from user research guided the development of a functional integrated helmet with a handle controller and a matched control system. This design not only improves safety and efficiency but also enhances the public's perception of delivery riders, increasing their job satisfaction and sense of identity.

One of the main challenges in creating this design was the need to differentiate it from existing smart helmets in the high-end market. While other smart helmets focus on advanced technologies embedded within the helmet itself, Xia serves as a display equipment aimed at preventing distractions while riding. Additionally, this design introduces a new business model that benefits takeaway riders, platforms, and users alike.

The Xia smart helmet project started in August 2020 and was completed in May 2021. It was awarded the Iron A' Design Award in the Safety Clothing and Personal Protective Equipment Design category in 2022. This prestigious award recognizes well-designed, practical, and innovative creations that meet professional and industrial requirements. Xia stands out for its integration of industry best practices, competent technical characteristics, and its contribution to a better world.